Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome

When people suddenly stop taking serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressant medication, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome may occur. Some well-known SRIs include Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome effects are not dangerous and usually last less than two weeks.

Frequency

According to an article in a 2006 issue of the journal American Family Physician, about 20 percent of patients experience antidepressant discontinuation syndrome when abruptly stopping medication after at least six weeks of use.

Most Common Symptom

In studies cited by the journal Primary Psychiatry, the most common antidepressant discontinuation syndrome symptom was dizziness.

Psychological Symptoms

Psychological symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, panic attacks and problems concentrating.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Nausea and upset stomach also is common in antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, and sometimes vomiting. The person might feel like she has the flu.

Prevention/Solution

The best way to avoid antidepressant discontinuation syndrome is to decrease the medication dosage gradually with the assistance of a physician rather than discontinuing it suddenly.

References

• Information from Primary Psychiatry
• American Family Physician article abstract

Resources

• FamilyDoctor.org